HTC boss Chou on the run as London 2012 Olympics draw near

Samsung must be getting used to having things its own way in the mobile playground these days, but in one respect at least it's still a distinct second best behind former Android favourite HTC.

Never mind the Samsung Galaxy S III being the official handset of the Olympic Games – HTC boss Peter Chou has been selected to carry the actual Olympic flame on its long journey to east London.

The Olympic flame always does an elaborate tour in the run-up to each Olympics before taking up station in the main stadium in the host city for the duration of the Games.

According to Taiwan News, Chou has been given the nod for his “great contribution to the development of the global mobile industry development, leadership in Taiwan's technology industry, and role in bringing a Taiwan brand to the international market”.

It's certainly one of those things he's likely to look back on fondly in years to come, but the glamour does fade just a little once you hear there will in fact be 8,000 torchbearers who will have carried the thing by the time it reaches Stratford for the opening ceremony on July 27.

“I'm honoured to be named as one of the torchbearers of the London 2012 Olympic Games,” Chou said all the same. “I hope I can shine on behalf Taiwan.”